In southern Spain, scientists have made a surprising discovery a 700 years old sandal perfectly preserved inside a vulture’s nest. The ancient shoe, made from grass and twigs, was found in a cave where bearded vultures once lived.
Experts believe that centuries ago, someone either took off or lost the sandal. A bearded vulture likely picked it up and carried it to its nest, where the cool, dry air helped preserve it for hundreds of years. The nest remained untouched as generations of vultures returned to the same spot, carefully maintaining it over time.
Bearded vultures once lived across southern Spain but disappeared about a century ago due to shrinking populations and changing environments. Scientists recently began studying their old nests like archaeological sites, digging layer by layer to uncover hidden treasures.
Inside 12 nests, researchers found a fascinating collection of objects more than 2,100 animal bones, 86 hooves, and several eggshell fragments from baby vultures. But what caught their attention most were the human-made items mixed among the natural materials. These included woven textiles, tools, and even a crossbow bolt, possibly used in building the nest or brought in with an animal carcass.
Using carbon-14 testing, scientists confirmed that the woven esparto sandal dates back more than seven centuries, making it one of the oldest preserved human items found in such a unique setting.
This discovery not only tells the story of life in medieval Spain but also highlights how nature and even birds can unexpectedly help preserve pieces of human history.
